Desk Report: A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal transformed into a cyclone on Friday, named ‘Fenjal,’ and is heading towards southern India.
By Saturday afternoon, it is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast.
Heavy rainfall has caused severe disruptions in Tamil Nadu, and with strong winds starting to pick up, Chennai Airport has been shut down until 7 PM on Saturday.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has stated that Cyclone Fenjal will not affect Bangladesh.
However, as the deep depression turned into a cyclone, the country has issued a 2nd-level warning for its four maritime ports.
Tamil Nadu Issues Red Alert in Six Districts
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry, with warnings of extremely heavy rainfall.
Wind speeds are expected to range from 70 to 80 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h.
As the cyclone approaches the coast, rainfall intensity is increasing in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. A state of maximum alert has been declared in six districts.
Schools and colleges have been closed in the affected areas for Saturday. The coastal regions are experiencing rough seas and high tidal surges.
A red alert has been issued for Puducherry, as well as Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts.